1. FC Heidenheim suffered a historic humiliation in the German Cup. The Bundesliga relegated side lost 5-2 at fourth-tier SSV Jeddeloh II on Sunday, plunging the club into a deep sporting crisis.
The match started promisingly for Heidenheim. Yannik Wagner put FCH ahead in the 12th minute. But just two minutes later, Kamer Krasniqi equalized for the regional league side. An own goal from Jan Schöppner in the 27th minute and a strike from Haris Hyseni two minutes later turned the game around before halftime. In the second half, Budu Siwsiwadse missed a penalty for Heidenheim before Hyseni from the spot and Tim Janßen made it 5-1 for Jeddeloh. Mikkel Kaufmann's consolation goal in the 89th minute was meaningless.
Coach Frank Schmidt had to watch the debacle from the stands. He was suspended due to a red card from the previous season. Assistant coach Bernhard Raab stood in for him on the touchline. Captain Patrick Mainka told reporters: "I have to say sadly that this defeat is absolutely deserved." The team finished the last Bundesliga season in 18th and last place with just 19 points from 29 games.
Reactions from players and the coach after the match were marked by great disappointment and sharp self-criticism. Patrick Mainka described the performance as "highly embarrassing". He criticized the lack of structure and order in the game. "We're playing as if it's children's football," the captain said. He stressed, however, that this had nothing to do with coach Frank Schmidt.
Frank Schmidt himself spoke after the match. "It's a very difficult situation for us, one we haven't had in this form before," said the long-serving coach. "We are on the floor." He called for support for the team to avoid falling into a downward spiral early in the season. The team conceded 64 goals in the past Bundesliga season while scoring only 32.
The defeat significantly increases pressure on the club. Heidenheim had already conceded seven goals in their first two league games of the new season, including a 4-1 defeat at Hertha BSC. There were already internal tensions after the Hertha match. Coach Frank Schmidt reportedly made it clear to the players in an angry speech that only full commitment would be accepted.
Shortly after this address, midfielder Adrian Beck surprisingly left the club on loan to Osnabrück. The club emphasized the move was at Beck's own request. Other players are being linked with moves away. The general mood at the club is tense. The team finished the Bundesliga season 57 points behind champions Bayern Munich.
The next chance for redemption comes on Saturday with a home match against Dynamo Dresden in the 2. Bundesliga. Dynamo coach Thomas Stamm even expressed concerns about this scenario. "I would have preferred it if Heidenheim had won," Stamm said regarding their cup exit. He expects a particularly intense and angry team.
Frank Schmidt announced the team must show against Dresden that it believes in itself again. The course is clear. For fans, the final table of the past season is available on our standings page. The sporting leadership faces the major task of leading the team out of crisis and reversing the negative trend of recent matches, reflected in the final form of WDDLL. The coming weeks will be decisive for the entire season's planning.
